Alzheimer's Seminar Main Speaker To Be Neurology Director

April 28, 1986|The Morning Call

Dr. Jack O. Greenberg, director of neurology at Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia, will be the main speaker at a seminar on Alzheimer's disease, 8:30 a.m. May 20 at the Best Western Dusselfink Motor Inn, Pottsville.

The seminar is being sponsored by the faculty of the Practical Nursing program, Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School, Intermediate Unit 29.

Dr. Greenberg is a professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and will present a medical perspective on Alzheimer's.

The disease kills 120,000 Americans a year, and is the fourth-leading cause of death among the elderly. Although Alzheimer's generally isthought to be a disease that affects only the elderly, approximately 60,000 Americans between ages of 40 to 60 have the disease.

The exact cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, however, several theories are under investigation. Some researchers suggest the disease is caused by a "slow virus" which lies dormant for years before symptoms appear. Viruses are known to have caused other diseases of the brain which are similar to Alzheimer's.

It is known, however, that acetylcholine is deficient in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. Acetylcholine is a neuro-transmitter which is a substance that allows communications between the nerve cells.

The disease can progress very rapidly over three or four years, or it can proceed slowly taking as long as 15 years. Beginning symptoms such as forgetfulness may go unnoticed. There may be difficulty learning or remembering new information. Deterioration in personal hygiene and appearance may be noted in early stages. An inability to concentrate may be viewed as a lack of interest, apathy, or even depression. The patient may be depressed because he or she knows something is wrong.

As the disease progresses, loss of orientation to time and place occurs. However, there will be days when the person is oriented to time and place. Activities requiring judgment, such as driving a car or following directions, also become harder. Communication progressively becomes difficult.

In addition to maintaining a clinical practice in neurology, Greenberg has been internationally recognized for his work in education and research. He was the recipient of an award for excellence in teaching by Medical College of Pennsylvania, served as president of the Philadelphia Neurologic Society.

For further information on this one-day seminar, contact the Practical Nursing Program, Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School, Mar Lin, Pa., 17951.